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Thursday, February 22, 2018

First graders learned that sculptures are 3-dimensional and will not go home in their folders because they are not flat! Sculptures can be big, like the Statue of Liberty, or they can be small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. They can be made out of glass, metal, stone, ice, paper, wood, clay, or found objects.

Students learned how to cut, fold, bend, and glue paper to make it into sculptures. They attached the paper to a cardboard base. Students imagined roller coasters, slides, forts, and all kinds of creative places as they sculpted.

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

We completed this project in two phases: Phase 1 - designing a foam printing plate and printing four successful prints; Phase 2 - studying Jim Dine's art and assembling a project inspired by his art.

We talked about why art is printed. It can be more graphic, it's reproducible, it's fun! Students drew with a ball point pen on a foam sheet. They did not include words or numbers, as they would appear backward when printed. I encouraged them to stick with patterns, lines, and shapes and to avoid pictures because these printed papers would be used on a project the next week. Students chose both paper color and ink color thoughtfully. Printing blue ink on blue paper wouldn't work out, for example.

The next art class we looked at art from Jim Dine. His pop art has been on Christmas cards and on postage stamps. His iconic LOVE image has been turned into huge sculptures that are on display in several cities in the United States and around the world. We discussed how art can be found everywhere and anywhere! There is art on your shirt, in parks, on buildings...

Students then cut out large letters and a heart to glue on top of their prints to create their own Jim Dine-inspired LOVE art.

Friday, January 19, 2018

First graders learned all about snowflakes in the art room. I read the book, Snowflake Bentley. We learned how snowflakes form, that they are six-sided crystals, and that no two are alike. I love integrating art, science, and language.

They started by applying white tempera paint to the edge a popsicle stick and stamping it six times to make the arms of the snowflake. Then they used foam shapes mounted to wood blocks, lasagna noodles, and marker caps to stamp more shapes on each arm. Students thought about radial symmetery while applying shapes. I put wet sponges in the tray so they could blot off the excess paint when they were done stamping with each item.

Friday, December 15, 2017

First graders loved this one-day project! It really packed in the learning, which made is a keeper for me. Our learning target was met through the use of a new medium: liquid watercolor. Furthermore, it had just snowed, so there was inspiration all around us!

Students followed directed drawing instructions by drawing with pencil and tracing with Sharpie. We discussed how space is created in the picture by creating close, large trees and smaller, farther away trees.

Then kids got right to work with the watercolor. I chose orange, red, magenta, purple and blue. For the most part, students would acheive success (and few unpleasant mixing problems) with these colors. They began at the horizon line and overlapped horizontal stipes all the way up. At the end, I showed them how to add footprints; larger ones on the first hill, smaller ones on the second hill.

Thursday, May 18, 2017

Have you seen what's happening at the Delta Plaza right now? Hundreds of pieces of student art have invaded the hallways! Mo's Gallery (formerly known as The Monster Art Show) is now open for your viewing pleasure. All of my begindergarten, first, second, and third graders have one project on display. Students were able to help organize the show by choosing their art, labelling it, and putting the Velcro on the back. Mr. Dykema's art students at the U arranged the artwork on boards and set up the boards at the mall. The show will end on May 26th and all artwork will be returned to students the following week.

Friday, March 17, 2017

This past Wednesday was the reception for kindergarten-5th graders who had artwork on display at the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center in Escanaba. Art teachers, like myself, from throughout Delta County chose pieces of outstanding student art to be on exhibit for the month of March. Awards were given by several groups in the community, including the DSISD, the MEA, GFWC, and others. It was really exciting to see so many kids and their parents inside the art center!

Friday, January 13, 2017

Third graders enjoyed a lesson in block printing today! Students embossed styrofoam printing plates with lines, patterns, and designs using a ballpoint pen. We did not draw pictures, as the printed papers will be used as background in another project. I did not allow letters or numbers, either, because they would be reversed when printed.

We used water-soluble ink in four colors; red, white, blue, and yellow. Students chose from precut papers in a variety of colors. I warned them that printing yellow on yellow paper would not work out very well! Choose colors that have good contrast.

Students moved to the printing stations with their paper and their plate. After each print, they had to wash off their plate with a damp paper towel at the washing station. Some students worked very efficiently and were able to print more than 4, while others only got 2 or 3 done. I was a little nervous about the procedures involved in this project, but the kids did great! They loved it and